What, ANOTHER Bible package? The motivation behind Scriptorium grew out of my participation in the IIDB Biblical History forums, and the wild discussions and arguments that occured there. Many times discussions of Chrisitian origins made reference to non-Canonical Christian texts as well as various translations of the Bible (depending on source, KJV inclusion)

So what does that mean? Scriptorium offers several features you won't find in most Bible software, not least of which is a collection of texts (in the form of 'modules') that come from diverse sources and time periods in Chrisitian history. Scriptorium is NOT 'Christian' software per se, but Christianity (including its historical and more recent permutations) is where my interest lies. Probably the biggest difference you will see is the inclusion of single text documents not divided by chapter and verse. For example, the Gnostic Scriptures are stored in 'Codex' format. You can read the Gospel of Thomas, for instance, side by side with several versions of Mark for instance to compare the often discussed parallels or Enoch with Daniel and Revelation. Being able to search any combination of documnet type at the same time lets you see non-obvious relationships in texts and translations of texts such as phrases, translator choices etc.

Whats does it do? Scriptorium is designed to work like popular Bible software, probably one of the more remarkable applications of desktop software development. While it is often said the first use of any technology involves mankind's most base obsessions, in the case of personal computer software, it is the Biblical study packages that have proven to be the trail blazers in terms of both UI development and open source (free software). I have used several different packages since Windows 3.1 (I'm sure some of you recall Quick Verse?) and have consitantly found them to be of use, and interestingly, better written than many applications produced for purely commercial reasons.

So what can I do with it? Aside from standard Bible software, as noted,  you can compare other texts, search any number of texts and dcuments for a word or phrase and even, if you are so inclined, create your own module!

Whats with the available modules?! OAHSPE? Urantia!? I have a keen interest in "New" religions, and so these texts reflect my own personal interests, especially with "crankier" aspects of the New Age fad, most notably UFO Cults. The fact that the largest mass-suicide in US history was carried out by a Flying Saucer cult is, I think, proof enough that these sorts of ideas are worth understanding, and both of those texts (as well as others which are copy-writed, such as Blavatsky's work) are foundations to many of these developing "religions".

Whats up with the "new" version? Since the time version 1 of the software went out,I've gotten many nice responses. THe biggest criticism is the application does too much and needed to be streamlined and cleaned up. Then new version addresses that. I will be posting a Beta download shortly.

Its free? REALLY free?Is it free because it doesn't do anything? Yes, totally free. All the texts are, to the best of my knowledge, Public Domain and the software itself is available for use free of any charge, including the "please donate to the poor programmer" link. I'm pleased to be able to do something that may others may find useful and only too happy to share. Check out the Features page for a description of what Scriptorium has to offer.

Ok, I want to try it. Go to the Download page and get it! It easy to get working, just download the zip file, unpack it and start up the executable! If you have an older PC you may have to install the .Net 2.0 Framework from Microsoft, but chances are you have it if you've been keeping up the OS updates. You have been keeping Windows updated, right?

I am using it and I need/want [insert text name here]! Feel free to drop me a line and I will certainly keep all suggestions in mind for future modules etc. In the meantime, you could certainly create your own! If you need some specifics on how it all works under the hood, drop me a line.

It's Open Source? Can I put it on my Website, department Intranet, CD I am burning for my friend? Yes, sure, absolutley. I like to see how many downloads I am getting so feel free to link t the download page here but so long as the GPL rules are followed, you can do whatever you like with it. Basically that means you can't sell it.

It's Open Source? Can I get the source code? Sure can, drop me an email and I will get you what you need.

Does it run on Vista? Yes. It looks pretty on Vista too.

Does it run on Mac, Linux, my cell phone? No, sorry.

Are you one of them New Age tree-huggers waiting for the mother ship? No :-) .